Guernsey Electricity gives away seeds to encourage pollinators
WILDFLOWER seeds are available for free at six hedge-veg sites.
More than 2,000 seed packets have been distributed by Guernsey Electricity to celebrate the switch earlier this year to importing 100% renewable energy.
‘This idea is a fun way of helping islanders reconnect with nature and make a difference to the wildlife in their gardens during the lockdown,’ said GE environmental sustainability manager Alex Herschel of the Plant A Rainbow campaign.
Five varieties of pollen-rich wildflowers are within the packets, recommended by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
‘As a company we have big environmental aspirations.
‘This initiative really brings to life that we all can make a small positive difference and that when we come together as a community we can have a big impact.’
Pollinators including bees, butterflies and ladybirds are attracted to wildflower gardens.
These species boost vegetable harvests and keep common pests, such as aphids, under control.
Over the decades Guernsey has faced a gradual loss of natural grassland and wildflowers.
Planting wildflowers alone cannot compensate for this decline, but should slow it down with high participation levels.
‘Join us – be part of the seeds of change and help look after the nature on our island in your gardens, balconies and window boxes,’ said Ms Herschel.
Most of the seed stalls are at GE employees’ private residences.
Packets can be picked up for your own home, or for families and friends to sow over the bank holiday weekend.
Where you can pick up free seeds
. Electricity House, North Side, Vale.
. Cancale, Jerbourg Road, St Martin’s, GY4 6BA.
. Rose Cottage, Rue de la Rocque, St Peter’s, GY7 9LS.
. Melody House, Rue a Chiens, St Sampson’s, GY2 4AD.
. Le Grand Courtil, Route de la Lague, Torteval, GY8 0QE.
. Le Colombier, Rue du Marais, Vale, GY3 5AQ.
